Just One Thing
“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do” - Brene Brown. Self-acceptance can definitely be a struggle based on what we were exposed to growing up. Were you praised as a child for what you did, or were you scolded for what you didn’t do? For me it was a little of both. Maybe that’s true for most? As a Mom, I was guilty of both, including the latter….ugh.
Growing up in the shadow of an older, prettier, and thinner sister that looked, acted and saw the world differently than I did was sometimes a hard pill to swallow. I was often compared to her accomplishments or choices instead of being able to stand on my own thoughts, beliefs and actions. We were just different individuals. No one was right, wrong, good or bad, but at the time it didn’t feel that way. I was the younger sister trying to measure up.
Self-acceptance is hard for many. Is it about not feeling worthy or loved? Or is it our own perception that is completely false based on what our inner critic is telling us? Whatever you believe to be true, what is one thing you love about yourself? Commit it to memory and believe it with all your heart. Then begin by uncovering another attribute or quality you adore or admire and build your own personal arsenal of love. Use your belief/evidence to combat your inner critic and naysayers.
Cultivate Self-acceptance:
Celebrate your special and unique qualities
Practice self-forgiveness (everyone is human)
Surround yourself with people that believe in and lift you up
Ignore your inner critic (that nasty voice in your head that beats you down)
Reciprocate the love and support to those in your sacred circle
“We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemy” - Roderick Thorp. Be your own best friend. If I had to name just one thing I love about myself, it would be I love how my eyes sparkle when I smile. I’d love to hear yours.
xoxox…..Sheryl